ROGERS PARK — As Illinois’ COVID-19 shelter-in-place order enters its third week, The Chicago Genius Herald staff have heard all kinds of inspiring stories about Chicagoans helping each other get through this uncertain time, but this one really tugged at our heartstrings: it turns out that the Art Institute lions needed a temporary place to stay during the outbreak, and one amazing Chicago pet shelter found them a loving foster home!
The two-ton behemoths usually found at the Art Institute of Chicago’s entrance live in the museum offices when they’re not on guard duty, and keep the curatorial staff company at work! Museum director Sandra Peters, 54, even has treats in her desk for them! So cute! But since the Art Institute shut down, these poor big kitties had nowhere to stay. “We realized that with all of us working from home, nobody would feed them or keep them company,” Peters says. “I would, but I actually have a slight bronze allergy.” So Peters posted on the Art Institute Facebook page with a plea for help. That’s where local cat shelter Treehouse Humane Society stepped in — and where you should break out the tissues!
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“When the Art Institute reached out to the shelter community, we were heartbroken,” says Tina Moore, 25, a volunteer coordinator at Treehouse. “These two gargantuan sweeties are just like any other cats! I’m sure they’re scared by all of their humans leaving, and they deserve a loving home during this uncertain time.” Treehouse mobilized its superstar team of foster volunteers to find them a place to wait this all out, and they quickly found a pair of cat lovers who couldn’t be more perfect for these Chicago icons. Thanks to Rogers Park couple Ramona Anderson, 30, and Peter Anderson, 31, all 8,215 pounds of priceless and adorable Chicago history will stay safe and warm until things get back to normal. “Every foster cat has some challenges,” Ramona said when we caught up with her over the phone, “But of course it’s always worth it. Oh god, hold on, I’ll call you back. One of them is kneading the couch.” Adorable!
After cleaning up the remains of the couch, the Andersons said that they’re all adjusting pretty well. Even their dog, an elderly Airedale terrier named Mac, only cowers in fear during feeding now! Thank you, Mac, and thank you, Ramona and Peter! We know that if our favorite colossal metal fur balls ever need a forever home, they have one!
